If you’re looking for a night out, you’ve probably realized that movies at Jonesboro AR are basically anchored by the Malco name. It’s funny because, in a world where everything is streaming and we’re all glued to our phones, the physical act of walking into a dark room with a bucket of overpriced popcorn still feels like a minor event. Jonesboro doesn't have thirty different chains competing for your attention. Instead, it has a few specific spots that local families and A-State students have basically claimed as their second homes.
Honestly, the theater experience here has changed a lot in the last few years. Remember when "stadium seating" was the big selling point? Now, if you aren't sitting in a motorized recliner that feels like a NASA-engineered cloud, it’s like... why even go?
The Heavy Hitters: Where We’re Actually Going
When people talk about movies at Jonesboro AR, they are usually referring to one of two main spots. Both are owned by Malco, which basically has a friendly monopoly on the city’s cinematic output.
Malco Jonesboro Towne Cinema
Located over on East Parker Road, this is the one most people think of. It’s the workhorse. It has the Seven-Auditorium setup, which sounds small compared to some of those mega-complexes in Memphis or Little Rock, but it gets the job done. This place is all about the standard format experience—though they do have Dolby Digital and 3D capabilities.
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The vibe here is very "Friday night high school hangout." You’ve got your reserved seating and those crucial recliners. If you’re planning to catch something big like Avatar: Fire and Ash or the 2026 re-release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, you’ll likely end up here.
Malco Jonesboro Studio Cinema Grill
Now, if you want to feel a bit more "adult," you head to Greensborough Village. The Studio Cinema Grill is the fancy sibling. It’s newer, it’s sleeker, and it has that whole "food delivered to your seat" thing going on.
- The Food: It’s not just popcorn. We’re talking actual meals—pretzels, burgers, and even adult beverages if you’re over 21.
- The Comfort: This is where the motorized recliners really shine.
- The Sound: People around town generally agree the audio here hits a bit harder.
What’s Playing Right Now (The 2026 Lineup)
The current slate for movies at Jonesboro AR is actually pretty wild. We’re seeing a mix of massive blockbusters and some surprisingly niche stuff. As of mid-January 2026, the screens are dominated by 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and Zootopia 2.
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But there’s also this weird, cool trend of "event cinema" happening. Jonesboro theaters have started showing a lot more than just Hollywood movies. For example, there’s a Gundam Premiere Night double feature coming up that has the local anime fans buzzing. They’re also doing these massive 2026 anniversary screenings for Madagascar and The Lord of the Rings. It’s a bit of a nostalgia trip, really.
Sometimes you just want to see a Telugu film, and surprisingly, Jonesboro has been leaning into that. Titles like Nari Nari Naduma Murari show up on the schedule more often than you’d think. It’s a testament to how much the local population is diversifying.
The Local "Secret" Spots
While Malco dominates the big screen, the "movie" scene in Jonesboro isn't just about the multiplex. If you’re a film nerd, you have to look toward The Link Theatre Company and The Foundation of Arts.
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They aren't "cinemas" in the traditional sense, but they are the heartbeat of Jonesboro performance art. In early 2026, The Link is doing a show called Bad Dates starring Mary Hollis Inboden. While it’s live theatre, the crossover between film buffs and theatre goers in this town is almost a 1:1 ratio.
A Few Realities: The "Jonesboro Tax"
Let’s be real for a second. Going to the movies isn't cheap anymore. A ticket, a large popcorn, and a drink can easily set you back $25-$30 before you even get to the theater.
- Pro Tip: If you're hitting the Towne Cinema, check for the "Discount Matinees." They still exist, and they're the only way to see a movie without feeling like you're paying a car note.
- The 9:00 PM Rule: Malco has a strict policy—after 9:00 PM, you have to be 17 with an ID or be with a parent. They don't mess around with this. It keeps the "rowdy teenager" factor down, which most adults appreciate.
How to Make the Most of Your Trip
If you’re heading out to see movies at Jonesboro AR, don’t just wing it. Use the Malco app. It sounds like a corporate plug, but honestly, trying to buy tickets at the kiosk on a Saturday night for a 7:00 PM show is a recipe for sitting in the very front row and leaving with a neck cramp.
Check the Greensborough Village schedule if you want a "dinner and a movie" vibe without moving your car. You can eat at the Studio Cinema Grill, or hit one of the nearby spots in the village first. It’s the most "big city" experience you can get in Northeast Arkansas.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Outing
- Download the Malco App: Don’t be the person standing in line. Pick your seats in advance, especially for those recliner rows.
- Check the "Studio" vs "Towne" locations: They are about 10 minutes apart, but the movie times differ significantly. Make sure you're going to the right one.
- Join Marquee Rewards: If you go more than twice a year, it actually pays for your popcorn eventually.
- Watch the Specials: Look for the NT Live (National Theatre) broadcasts or the anniversary screenings if you want something different from the standard superhero fare.
The cinema scene in Jonesboro is surprisingly resilient. Despite everyone saying movie theaters are dying, the parking lots at East Parker Road and Greensborough Village tell a different story. It’s still the best way to escape the Arkansas humidity for two hours.